A Level French

A LEVEL FRENCH

2024/25

Course Outline

Pupils study four broad topics that comprise aspects of French Society, including social issues and trends, artistic culture, multiculturalism and aspects of political life. In addition, all pupils study a film and a book, both in the target language. Ahead of the oral exam, pupils complete an independent research project on a topic of their choice. This is underpinned by perfection of the grammar to work with the language longer term.

A Level External Assessment

Pupils take the AQA A Level Examination. This consists of three papers:

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation (50%).

Paper 2 – Written response to a film and a book (20%).

Paper 3 – Speaking with IRP (Independent Research Project) (30%)

Entry Requirements

For A Level study, a Grade 7 at GCSE or equivalent is required. You should be keen to communicate in French and want to learn more about the culture of France and Frenchspeaking countries. The course will equip you with the necessary skills to discuss, debate and give justified viewpoints on a whole range of topic areas. It will, above all, give you an indepth knowledge of the cultures of the Francophone world.

Skills Required and Developed

During the two-year course you will further develop your language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will be able to read increasingly longer texts and will be encouraged to read for pleasure in French. By the end of the course, you will be able to hold a conversation at normal pace, be able to write analytical essays in French and have sound translation skills. You can expect to be taught in small groups and your relationship with your teachers - two teachers will normally be allocated to each group - should be quite different from your previous experience. You will have much more opportunity to contribute to lessons and you will play a more active role in discussion. We aim to use French in class as much as practicable and you have a weekly session in the language laboratory for independent listening. In addition to the 11 periods a fortnight with your teachers, you will have a weekly period with our French Assistant, in pairs or individually.

Beyond the Classroom

Study trips are regularly organised, and we currently offer a trip to Paris during the Easter holidays. Year 12 pupils can choose to help in our own Junior School French lessons as well as support the teaching of French in local primary schools. Finally, many A Level pupils choose to write a PGS Extend research essay in French. Recent essay topics have been as varied as secularism in France, French choral music, post-war economic growth in France and multiculturalism in French sport.

University Courses and Professions that Require the Subject

French, as with any modern language, is an essential skill to have in a globalised world. The language is spoken by over 300 million people and is an official language in 30 countries across five continents. French is a popular subject choice amongst leavers and provides excellent preparation for a wide number of careers including, but not exclusively, translation, journalism, law and the diplomatic service. Each year pupils make successful applications to study French at a range of top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. In recent years, pupils have gone to study French at university in combination with a number of other subjects, including Italian, Spanish, Law, Philosophy, and History.

Contact our Head of French, Mr. P Gamble: Telephone: 023 9268 1307 Email: P.Gamble@pgs.org.uk

You can also find more information on the exam board's website: www.edexcel.com